Patient perspectives in the management of psoriasis and PsA
A psoriasis population survey finds psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis in 1.4%-3.3% of North American and European households. Many (27-53%) rated their disease as “severe”.
News
Drug Safety Bulletin: Drug Shortages-May 2015
Drug Safety Bulletin: Drug Shortages
AS vs. SpA Responses with Combination Treatment
Patients in a large Swedish registry with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) who started a TNF inhibitor were followed for comedication use and TNF inhibitor survival.
Comorbidities Abound in Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a highly prevalent disorder with different studies and populations showing a prevalence of 2.1% to 6.4% in the general population. A retrospective review from Olmstead county revealed that among 1
The Prevalence of Ankylosing Spondylitis
A retrospective study of the national register in Sweden identified a total of 11,030 cases with an ankylosing spondylitis (AS) diagnosis (as of 2009) were identified in the National Patient Register, giving a point prevalence of 0.18% in 2009. Men had a higher prevalence of ankylo
Communication is the Best Medicine
Patients rate communication as one of the most important factors in choosing and sticking with a physician. The end product in at least 2/3 of visits is the prescription, yet prescription adherence is substandard in half of our patients. The key is communication.
The Risk of Listeriosis in RA
In the mid-1990s, our Rheumatology Division at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School became involved with an early trial of a brand new TNF inhibitor.
House Bill Threatens CME Exemption from Sunshine Act Reporting
Current Sunshine Act disclosures do not apply to CME certified educational activities for either the participants or the presenters. CMS has debated and waffled on whether companies would be required to report payments to doctors who speak at, or attend, CME seminars.
Is There a Standout When Comparing Novel Therapies?
Randomized clinical trials are needed to show efficacy and safety, and are needed to back up the claims and indications for a particular drug. The issue of treatment choice has become challenging, especially when choosing to start or augment therapy.
Medical Marijuana for Osteoarthritis in Illinois
An advisory board has recommended osteoarthritis and a host of disorders for inclusion in the Illinois new medical marijuana program.
Most Prescribed Branded Drugs Through March 2015
In the last 12 months, levothyroxine (Synthroid) was the most prescribed drug in the USA with 21.6 million prescriptions. Adalimumab (Humira) had 8.3 billion in sales, followed by etanercept (Enbrel) at nearly $6 billion.
Who Should Pay for Drug 'Take-Back' Programs
Unused pills and prescriptions pose a significant safety risk in the home and may contribute to dosing errors or inadvertent drug use. The issue has led the DEA to sponsor national drug disposal programs and local municipalities have followed with similar programs. At issue is who shoul
